Greenhouse Gases & Climate Change

• What are global warming and climate change?

  They are environmental phenomena affecting Earth.
• What is the role of the atmosphere?

  It acts as an insulating blanket for Earth.
• How does the atmosphere keep Earth warm?

  By trapping heat energy from the sun.
• What happens to the sun's heat energy when it reaches Earth?

  It is absorbed, re-emitted, or reflected.
• What type of radiation does the sun emit?

  Short wavelength radiation.
• What happens to energy after it is absorbed by the Earth's surface?

  It is re-emitted as longer wavelength radiation.
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  Warming caused by greenhouse gases trapping heat.
• What gases are considered greenhouse gases?

  Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.
• Why is the greenhouse effect becoming stronger?

  Due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.
• What are the two main reasons for rising carbon dioxide levels?

  Burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
• How does deforestation affect carbon dioxide levels?

  It reduces photosynthesis, increasing CO2 levels.
• What are the two main sources of methane emissions?

  Farm animals and waste decomposition.
• How do scientists know the Earth is getting warmer?

  Through historical temperature records over centuries.
• What is climate change?

  Effects of global warming on climate patterns.
• What does climate refer to?

  Long-term weather patterns across the planet.
• What are some consequences of global warming?

  Increased frequency of extreme weather events.
• What causes sea level rise due to global warming?

  Melting ice and thermal expansion of water.
• What might happen to coastal towns due to rising sea levels?

  They could experience seasonal flooding.
• How does climate change affect biodiversity?

  It threatens species unable to adapt or migrate.
• What are the main impacts of climate change on wildlife?

  • Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns
  • Species may not survive in new conditions
  • Some species can adapt or migrate
  • Many species cannot adapt quickly enough
  • Likely dramatic fall in biodiversity
• how greenhouse gases causes global warming

  • (greenhouse gases) allow short wavelength radiation to enter the atmosphere
  • (which are) absorbed by the earth and re-emitted as longer wavelength radiation (which is) absorbed by (greenhouse gases in) the atmosphere
  • (this) increases the temperature leading to global warming